How Do I Become a Successful Freelance Copywriter?

Many new internet business endeavours disappear very quickly, whilst others appear to be doing well only to grind to a halt. Statistics from the Small Business Administration confirm this by telling us that only a third of all new businesses eventually turn a profit. This information is not intended to scare you, because you do not have to be one of those statistics. All you have to do to join thousands of other successful copywriters, is to avoid common internet business start-up pitfalls. Here are some guidelines to ensure your online copywriting business success.

Developing the right mindset

1. In order to become a successful online copywriter you have to develop the right mindset. The copywriting business is not a get rich quick scheme. It won’t make you a millionaire overnight. But if you follow a few relatively simple steps you could set yourself on the road to financial independence and possibly great wealth!

Action Planning

2. According to online marketing guru Steve Wagenheim, in an ereport entitled The Mindset Of The Successful Marketer , 95% of the people who try to run an online business fail. This is because, they have no plan and they have no idea of what they are doing. If you fail to plan, you plan to fail, and this could spell disaster for your earning potential as a copywriter.

3. Avoid this problem by focusing on a particular area of copywriting. Nick Usborne writes in The Top Ten Mistakes Made by Freelance Writers and Copywriters that it is “far better that you establish a clear niche, an area in which you specialise and then become an expert”.

4. In order to decide on which area of copywriting to specialise in you may want to refer to sites which provide detailed information on the different types of copywriting opportunities available. Business Planning

5. All successful online business owners have developed a realistic business plan for their ventures. Business planning will give you a clear sense of direction and enable you to measure success within your copywriting business. The Business Link website provides a template for writing a business plan in addition to clear guidelines on what information to provide in each section.

Goalsetting

6. Write down how you would like to develop your business within the next 6 months, 12 months, 18 months and so on. As a newcomer you might set yourself a financial goal to make at least £6,000 in the first year of your copywriting career.

7. Using Robert Bly’s calculations in 10 Ways to make a 6-Figure Income as a Freelance Writer, you will have to make £120 a week for 50 weeks. To achieve your weekly target you might plan to do two assignments a week at £60 each. Focus on Quality

8. Dr. Ken Evoy, creator of Site Sell Inc emphasises the importance of offering your customer high quality information. In doing so, you become a trusted expert and many customers will want to work with you. As a result, your income will actually soar. Once the word gets round you will establish credibility for yourself and you will be able to command higher fees.

Market Your Services

9. Go to copywriting internet forums such as Google groups and Yahoo Groups. Post an ad stating that you are offering a free copywriting service. Some online marketers will give your free service a try. Make sure you obtain testimonials for each project you complete.

10. Build a website to promote your copywriting services. Assemble the free copywriting assignments into a portfolio and provide a statement reflecting your work. Don’t forget to include the testimonials received from your customers.

You can drive traffic to your site in many ways:

* Consider delivering informative content for free article directories such as Go Articles and Ezine Articles. Don’t forget to include a hook to your website.

* Write a blog about your business using Blogger or Wordpress.

* Send out news releases * Network on discussion boards get to know people in the community and swap services with other members

You can expand your work opportunities by signing up to a freelance writing agency such as Academic Knowledge.